Abstract

Execution of a response that has been primed by a backward-masked stimulus is inhibited (negative compatibility effect; NCE). Three experiments investigated the locus of this inhibition. Masked primes (left- or right-pointing arrows) were followed either by an arrow or a circle target. Arrow targets always required a left- or right-hand response, but the experiments differed in the response required to circles: press neither, either or both response keys (i.e. nogo, free choice and bimanual, respectively). Arrow targets showed the usual NCEs. Circle targets showed NCEs in the form of a response bias away from the primed response in the nogo and free-choice tasks; primes and targets differed on these trials, ruling out a perceptual explanation of the NCE. The bimanual task showed no such bias, suggesting that the NCE is located at a level of abstract response codes rather than specific muscle commands.

1979 Doing two things at once: the role of temporal compatibility. Mem. Cogn. 7, 375–381.Search for fulltextWeb of Science# ↵

1. Klapp S.T

2005 Two versions of negative compatibility have different properties: a reply to Lleras and Enns (2004). J. Exp. Psychol. Gen. 134, 431–435. doi:10.1037/0096-3445.134.3.431.Search for fulltextCrossRefMedlineWeb of Science# ↵

2006 How much like a target can a mask be? Geometric, spatial, and temporal similarity in priming—a reply to Schlaghecken and Eimer. J. Exp. Psychol. Gen. 135, 495–500. doi:10.1037/0096-3445.135.3.495.Search for fulltextCrossRefMedlineWeb of Science# ↵

1. Miller J.O, 2. Franz E.A

2005 Dissociation of bimanual responses with the Simon effect: on the nonunitization of bimanual responses. J. Motor. Behav. 37, 146–156. doi:10.3200/JMBR.37.2.146-156.Search for fulltextCrossRefMedlineWeb of Science# ↵